MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Things are once again shifting within the retail sector as Target recently revealed a number of changes to its executive leadership team. The new executive appointments are effective immediately, according to a company release, as the company looks to further stimulate its growth in the retail sector.
Rick Gomez has been named Chief Food and Beverage Officer and Executive Vice President. Gomez, who previously served as Target’s Chief Marketing, Digital, and Strategy Officer, has been with the company since 2013. During his tenure, Gomez helped deepen relationships with the organization’s guests through the launch of a successful loyalty program and also led the brand to immense digital growth.
Prior to his time at Target, Gomez served over 20 years with multi-billion-dollar consumer packaged goods brands such as PepsiCo, MillerCoors, and the Quaker Oats Company.
Gomez takes the place of Stephanie Lundquist, who announced her plans to depart earlier this year after 15 years with the company.
Christina Hennington has been appointed Chief Growth Officer and Executive Vice President. After joining Target in 2003, Hennington played vital roles within the retailer, aiding the company in modernizing its merchandising organization as well as helping it establish itself as a reliable provider of essentials amidst the pandemic.
As she steps into this newly created position, Hennington will oversee Target’s merchandising organizations, enterprise strategy, insights, and innovation. She will also work to develop revenue-generating strategies that could solidify the brand’s place as a leading retailer.
Taking over for Hennington will be Jill Sando, who joined Target in 1997 and has since proved herself as a skilled merchant. As the new Chief Merchandising Officer and Executive Vice President, Sando will lead buying for all of Target’s hardlines and softlines product categories.
Cara Sylvester will take on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Digital Officer. Sylvester has held a multitude of leadership positions since joining the company in 2007, recently serving as Senior Vice President of Home. During her time in this role, Sylvester drove strong sales and market share gains.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, Sylvester will be responsible for furthering the brand’s loyalty program and in-house media company, as well as achieving digital growth.
Katie Boylan will now serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, where she will oversee Target’s social responsibility and sustainability initiatives and philanthropic efforts, including the Target Foundation. Boylan joined the company in 2011, and has since played a vital role in advancing the brand’s reputation.
"At the core of Target's success is the most talented team in retail," said Chairman and CEO, Brian Cornell. "The depth of expertise across Target's leadership team in particular has been a critical driver in Target's winning strategy and the excellence of our operations. The changes we're announcing create new opportunities for key leaders to bring their knowledge and experiences to different areas of the business. I'm confident these moves will drive Target's position as a best-in-class retailer today and well into the future.”
Congratulations to all of these new execs on their recent appointments!
